The food and drinks industry involves a myriad of shapes, sizes, weights and textures of produce. Products such as baked goods will require greater precision and gentler product handling than more robust produce such as glass bottles, increasing the need for mechanically driven and controlled perimeter guides on the pallet loading station to minimise jolting movements. The material used for transportation packaging is also a key consideration. Cardboard, for example, is more sensitive to pressure than plastic alternatives, as well as being lighter, so the optimum stacking height must be identified to ensure the products within will remain intact whilst using the space intelligently to maximise production. Plastic crates are more robust but can slide out of position on the conveyor; a centring system will ensure they are positioned correctly.

It requires knowledge and experience for systems handling manufacturers to identify and develop such solutions in order to achieve a high functioning logistics centre that will, in every instance, deliver operational certainty – a key aspect of effective palletising. Every equipment order will bring its own challenges, but there will be many potential issues that an experienced company will have seen and will recognise, even at the tendering stage, to avoid potential complications.

Thinking Ahead

This sort of experience is particularly useful when food and drink companies are looking to develop unusual packaging. The priority for the marketing department, particularly for products like confectionary where there is an emphasis on impulse-buying, is to design a product that stands out among its competitors, rather than the practicalities of manufacturing the product. It would be useful for manufacturers to consult reliable materials handling equipment suppliers at the early packaging-design stage, to ensure that the product not only looks good but can be safely conveyed and packaged at the quantities required.

Go Stainless

The use of high quality materials is indicative of a supplier’s dedication to long-lasting solutions. British and European legislation demands that equipment used in the manufacture of food and drinks be easy to clean, corrosion-resistant and have imperceptible seams to avoid the risk of trapped organic substances becoming a breeding ground for bacteria. Stainless steel meets all these requirements. Machinery manufactured from this material can last for many years and often a factory refurbishment will require the relocation of stainless steel equipment that is still in excellent condition, thereby reducing capital outlay further down the line.

Forward Thinking

Client requirements can vary from a simple standalone machine to a complex integrated production line incorporating conveyors, platforms, palletisers and robots, requiring the comprehensive assistance and back up of the materials handling system manufacturer’s expert engineering team. The ever-growing need for innovative solutions means it is essential for a supplier to balance their proven history with a firm focus on the future and buyers are advised to investigate the equipment manufacturer’s commitment to offering the latest technologies, both through their own product development and through partnerships with specialised companies.

Automation in particular is growing in demand as food and drinks manufacturers are learning that investing in robotics can rapidly lead to time and cost savings, making it a worthwhile investment. This is in large part due to the advances in robotic technology that have adapted to meet the needs of this sector, including the use of PC-based robot controllers which makes control incredibly precise and adaptable. Specialised robot models are increasingly being used to carry out repetitive tasks, such as the strenuous lifting and stacking of products as they are transported to the storage area of the factory prior to distribution.

A materials handling supplier must be able to offer a service that can successfully integrate automation with their own high quality conveying and palletising systems, resulting in a complete solution that is fast, efficient, cost-effective and long-lasting.